NHER 38561 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two coastal defences and possible World War One trench

March 2004, Norfolk NMP
An area of World War Two coastal defences at Weybourne to the immediate east of Weybourne Camp (NHER 11335), is visible on aerial photographs from 1940-1 (S1-2). The site consists of a barbed wire enclosure, possible pillbox and gun emplacement, plus several sections of slit trench and is centred on TG 1140 4366. This site will have performed a defensive function, but it is also likely to have been created as part of training activities associated with Weybourne Camp (NHER 11335).
In 1940 a raised earthwork mound at TG 1137 4365, approximately 7m across, can be seen (S1). This is surrounded to the west by a trench and line of upcast bank. This trench continues in a zigzag fashion to east and north. At TG 1139 4367, to the east of this trench, is a rectangular structure at, measuring 4m by 3m. It seems likely that this is a pillbox and the mound may also represent a gun emplacement of some sort. Another section of zigzag slit trench can be seen 50m to the south east. To the north of the site is another section of trench, approximately 30m and parallel to the coast. This has a slightly crenellated design and does not look as fresh as the surrounding trenches. Therefore it is possible that it is World War One in date, or alternatively very early in World War Two. By July 1941 the site has become enclosed by a trapezoidal line of barbed wire, approximately 85m by 50m.
(S1-2)
S. Massey (NMP) 31 March 2004